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By now, you’ve probably noticed it too: the weather has absolutely chosen chaos. Arctic blasts sweeping the nation, grocery store shelves looking like they’ve been raptured, barbecue grills somehow becoming the hottest item in cold weather survival (because of course), and huskies? Oh, the huskies clearly got the memo. They’re in full fur-st-responder mode, living their best lives like, “This is what we trained for.” Yes — wordplay fully intended. Reward yourself for catching it.

But jokes aside, extreme weather exposes one thing very quickly: how ready — or unready — our systems are. Not our bodies (that’s another conversation), but the external pieces of life we rely on every day — cars, homes, supplies, and infrastructure. When temperatures drop fast and conditions shift overnight, preparedness stops being optional and starts being practical.

So let’s talk about the things outside of us. The tangible, controllable steps that help keep everyone safer — especially people with MS, who benefit from minimizing stress, delays, and exposure when conditions are unpredictable.

Cold weather prep: External must-haves

1. Check tire pressure and tread: Cold air lowers tire pressure, and worn tread loses grip fast on icy or wet roads. A quick check can be the difference between a cautious commute and a roadside emergency.

2. Keep at least a half-tank of gas: Fuel equals flexibility. Traffic backups, detours, emergency warming, or unexpected closures all burn gas faster than planned.

3. Pack an emergency vehicle kit: Extra clothes, blankets, water, nonperishable food, and basic supplies belong in your car during extreme cold. Think prepared pause, not panic. Bonus: I love the new rechargeable blankets that fit into your car chargers. Ideal in these times.

4. Do not use cruise control on slippery surfaces: Cruise control removes your ability to respond quickly if traction is lost. In winter conditions, control beats convenience every time.

Additional external tips worth doing

5. Charge devices and backup power sources: Phones, battery packs, flashlights, and mobility aids lose power faster in the cold. Full batteries equals communication and options.

6. Weather-proof your home: Seal drafts, check heating systems, insulate exposed pipes, and keep a safe backup heat source available if possible.

7. Clear walkways early and often: Ice builds fast. Shoveling and salting proactively reduces slip risk and emergency situations before they happen. 

8. Park smart: Whenever possible, park in a garage or sheltered area. If parking outside, avoid low spots where ice and water collect. Keep sand handy for those slopped driveways, and maybe even de-icer for that garage door (check the chemicals and if they will ruin your materials or infrastructure).

9. Stock smart — not excessive — supplies: A few days of essentials is preparedness. Clearing shelves helps no one. If you lose power, have a backup plan to prevent your items from perishing. With -10 degree weather heading our way, I’ll just put my stuff outside. Winning with nature.

10. Know when staying put is the safest move: Sometimes the best plan is minimizing travel altogether. Fewer variables mean fewer risks. This may not do well for your sanity if you get cabin fever easily, but grab a few games, turn on some shows and (try to enjoy) watching the snow.

11. Water: Pipes bursting can be the worst. Fix plenty of back-up water for you and your family to consume until repairs can be completed.

Bottom line

We may be buried in unpredictable weather, but we don’t have to be buried in preventable problems. A little foresight goes a long way — especially when the cold doesn’t care about schedules, errands, or intentions.

And if you see a husky grinning through it all? Just know: this was their moment.